There are a variety of birth control methods on the market, but many of the most popular types of birth control-including the pill, injections, plasters, and rings-rely on synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. Although most doctors believe that hormonal birth control is safe for most patients, some women prefer to prevent pregnancy without hormones. Maybe you are experiencing unwanted side effects from hormonal contraceptives, or you just want to avoid a disturbance in your body's natural chemistry. Whatever the reason, you have tons of options!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Choosing the Basic Method
Step 1. Consider condoms
For many people, condoms are a fantastic method of birth control: they are very cheap, easily available at drugstores and supermarkets, and effective when used properly. Condoms also provide protection against sexually transmitted infections, making them the first choice for people who are not committed to a monogamous relationship.
- While male condoms are more familiar to most people, keep in mind that female condoms-a plastic bag that protects the inside of the vagina-are also available. The female condom is a great alternative if you want to take control of your contraceptive method yourself rather than relying on your partner.
- People who are allergic to latex should not use latex male condoms. However, if you are a woman who is allergic to latex, you can still use a female condom.
Step 2. Try a contraceptive sponge
Sponges, which are made of foam and cover the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the uterus, are now available without a prescription, making them fairly inexpensive and easy to buy.
- Sponges are much more effective for women who have never given birth. Realize that if you have given birth before, this may not be the best option for you.
- Women with sulfa allergies should not use contraceptive sponges.
Step 3. Ask your doctor if you can get a barrier method prescription
Your doctor can prescribe a suitable barrier for your body, including a diaphragm and a cervical cap (a flexible silicone device that covers the cervix).
- Both the diaphragm and the cervical cap should be readjusted if you gain or lose significantly weight.
- A cervical cap, like a sponge, is much more effective for women who have never given birth. If you have given birth before, a diaphragm is a better choice.
Step 4. Ask your doctor about the copper IUD
There are various types of IUDs (intrauterine devices) on the market, but the “Copper-T” IUD does not use hormones. The doctor can insert the IUD into the uterus, while the copper will prevent the sperm from fertilizing the egg. The copper IUD is very effective, and can last more than ten years; once entered, you can literally go a decade without thinking about birth control. However, IUDs are very expensive unless they are covered by your insurance.
- Unlike birth control methods that are not hormonal, copper IUDs can cause unwanted symptoms in some women, including cramping and heavy menstrual bleeding.
- Because it is in the uterus all the time, the copper IUD also allows you to have sexual intercourse spontaneously; no prior planning required.
Step 5. Use natural methods with caution
There are various methods available to track your menstrual cycle and estimate fertile and infertile days. Women who use natural methods of birth control simply avoid sexual intercourse on their fertile days. If you have predictable cycles and use this method very carefully, it is relatively effective; however, you should not rely on natural methods if preventing pregnancy is very important to you. There are various variables involved in this method.
- The most common natural methods are to mark the days of ovulation and menstruation on a calendar, take daily body temperature and watch for changes that signal ovulation, and check for changes in cervical mucus. The most effective way to control birth naturally is to combine all of these methods.
- If you want to try natural methods, there are plenty of books and lessons available-and now, mobile apps too-that can help you.
Step 6. Consider a permanent solution
If you're in a committed relationship, your partner may choose to have a vasectomy, a surgery that locks the vas deferens to prevent sperm from entering your partner's semen. Alternatively, you can have a tubal ligation, surgery that binds or cuts the fallopian tube to prevent fertilization of the egg. Both methods change direction sometimes, but it's not always possible, so you can consider this method as a permanent solution.
If your partner had a vasectomy, you'll need to use a backup birth control method for several months, until follow-up tests confirm there are no sperm in your partner's semen. Follow the doctor's instructions
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Maximizing Birth Control Effectiveness
Step 1. Follow the instructions carefully
All of the methods above-except the copper IUD, which is inserted by your doctor-will be less effective if you don't follow the instructions exactly. Don't assume that you know how to use all of these methods, and don't assume that your partner knows how to use them either. Read the instructions and follow through to the letters.
Step 2. Combine several methods
You can almost always increase the effectiveness of birth control by combining several methods. For example, if your partner uses a male condom, you can also use a sponge, diaphragm, or cervical cap. Or you can combine natural methods with barrier tools.
Step 3. Accompany with spermicide
Many of the options discussed above work best when combined with spermicides in foam, film, gel, or suppository forms. Spermicides contain a chemical, nonoxynol-9, which destroys most sperm. Spermicides aren't reliable enough to be used alone, but they can make condoms and other barrier devices much more effective.
Note that spermicides cannot prevent sexually transmitted diseases, although it was previously believed to be so. In fact, some studies show that spermicides when used alone can increase the risk of contracting HIV and other infectious diseases because the chemicals can cause irritation. Use a spermicide with a condom unless you are in a monogamous relationship
Tips
- If you are in a committed relationship, birth control is an issue that should be discussed with your partner. In essence, it's your body and the decision is yours, but your partner needs to be involved in the process and support your plans.
- A gynecologist you can talk to about birth control options will be very helpful. Even if you've read this information and done research elsewhere, you may want to discuss this topic with your doctor. Your doctor can provide additional advice tailored to your specific needs.
Warning
- If you have sexual intercourse, no birth control method will be 100% effective. If you miss your period, buy an over-the-counter pregnancy test or see a doctor.
- Realize that only condoms will protect you from HIV and other contagious infections. If you are not in a monogamous relationship, condoms are the safest method.
